Women’s advocacy groups preparing for another Trump presidency are gearing up for a wave of mobilization efforts in Massachusetts and beyond.
For many, a Trump presidency brings fears of nationwide bans on abortion, contraception, in-vitro fertilization and jeopardization of women’s rights in general.
Lora Pellegrini, president of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, said she was shocked to see Tuesday night’s election results.
“We could see a complete federal ban on abortion, contraception, IVF that would impact all the states, including Massachusetts, so that’s pretty shocking and I’m not sure everyone fully understands that,” Pellegrini said.
When it comes to taking action, Pellegrini said Wednesday was a day to “lick your wounds” and get moving after that. She said efforts could include something as large as a march on Washington to everyday work in the community.
“I think we need to mobilize, I think we need to really explain to women what’s at stake here,” Pellegrini said.
On Nov. 20, GBH will be hosting a forum with the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus to discuss female leadership in the wake of the 2024 election.
The ACLU of Massachusetts is also standing at the ready, according to a statement from Executive Director Carol Rose.
“Here in Massachusetts, we don’t have a moment to lose. We must immediately get to work building a firewall for freedom — to keep people in our state safe and free, to strengthen access to at-risk reproductive and gender-affirming health care, and to reduce surveillance that can be used to target and hurt people and communities in the president-elect’s crosshairs,” Rose wrote in a statement Wednesday morning.
Following Trump’s 2016 election, a record number of women marched on Washington, ran for office and were elected.
Barbara Lee, who founded the Barbara Lee Family Foundation, noted in her post-election comments. “History has shown that the movement for women’s equality takes patience and perseverance … I totally believe we are up to the challenge.”
The Women’s March is holding a Wednesday evening mass call for healing and justice, though any official plans for another march have not yet been released.
Produced with assistance from the Public Media Journalists Association Editor Corps funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
